RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (AP) - A county prosecutor who brought indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and others pounded his fist and shouted at the judge today.

Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra (GWAY'-yuh) shouted about special treatment for high-profile defendants as a routine motions hearing descended into chaos.

He is accusing the public officials of culpability in the alleged abuse of prisoners in a federal detention center. Guerra -- who has asked Presiding Judge Manuel Banales to recuse himself -- has complained about Banales' handling of the case.

Attorneys for the vice president and other defendants leapt to their feet in objection as Guerra pounded the table. He accused Banales of giving the defendants special treatment in allowing motions to quash the indictments to be heard before the defendants were arraigned.

Guerra shouted: "Now all of a sudden there is urgency. Eighteen months you kept me indicted through the election."

The charges against Guerra were dismissed in October. Guerra lost re-election in the March Democratic primary.

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